24 hrs.

As I enter into the first month of my 21st year it’s time for me to do a bit of a reflection. Overall, this month has been full of struggle, heartache and betrayal. I’ve been genuinely sad and I’ve constantly had trouble finding a reason to wake up. I’ve felt alone and vulnerable and mostly confused.

But for the first time, I’m able to allow myself to feel these emotions and not let them overcome me. For the first time I found my voice and began to take action against my abuser. Through all those negative emotions I’m able to press on, even on the days it’s the hardest.

For the next 24 hours, I’m allowing myself to rid myself of any distractions and focus only on Jamie. A bracelet I wear on my right arm says, “Here on Assignment” and while I see it everyday, I never really fully understood what that meant.

For some reason I’ve been getting followed while either walking home from work or walking to work. While it has been scary I haven’t been touched. I pray every morning thanking God for waking me up and preparing for my safe travels to and from work.

For the first time I feel God is listening to me. I am protected by the most high and even by my daddy, James Steen.

Whenever you feel you may be loosing touch with yourself, allow yourself to step back and look at the beauty of where you are today. Allow yourself to unapologetically cater to yourself and the things you need to be happy and feel better about yourself.

There’s only going to be one you and if you were to die today, would you feel proud of everything you’ve accomplished in your life? If not, that’s ok. It’s never too late to start a new hobby, pick up a new interest, or even start your own business. Do whatever makes you happy, always and forever.

Love Indefinitely,

Jamie Elise

“You’ll learn, as you get older, that rules are made to be broken. Be bold enough to live life on your terms, and never, ever apologize for it. Go against the grain, refuse to conform, take the road less traveled instead of the well-beaten path. Laugh in the face of adversity, and leap before you look. Dance as though EVERYBODY is watching. March to the beat of your own drummer. And stubbornly refuse to fit in.”

― Mandy Hale, The Single Woman: Life, Love, and a Dash of Sass